ACLU files lawsuit to stop Trump's new asylum restrictions

President barred asylum claims from those entering between official entry points on the US-Mexico border.

09 Nov 2018 22:40 GMT

A caravan of mainly Honduran migrants is making its way to the US border through Mexico [Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo]

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said it was taking legal action to challenge President Donald Trump's proclamation, which bans those crossing between official points of entry on the United States southern border from receiving asylum.

The order, which lasts for an initial 90 days, was issued by Trump on Friday after the administration issued the new regulations on Thursday.

"Neither the president nor his cabinet can override the clear commands of our law, but that's exactly what they're trying to do," the ACLU said in a tweet, adding: "We'll see him in court."

The Trump administration says it is trying to restrict claims of asylum to official ports of entry, which are better resourced. However, the move is the latest by the Trump administration to restrict the ability to claim asylum or migrate to the US.

Earlier this year, the then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a "zero tolerance" policy, which included the separation of children from parents and criminal prosecutions for those caught crossing the border between official ports of entry. Trump was forced to end his administration's practice of separating families after public outcry.

Sessions also made it hard for those fleeing gang violence or domestic abuse to claim asylum.

Earlier this month, Trump sent troops to the border and has publicly mulled plans to establish tent cities where asylum seekers can be housed while their claims are processed.

Caravan in Mexico

The president's chest beating over migration during the recent midterm election focused on a caravan of mainly Honduran migrants and asylum seekers heading towards the US border.

Those who are part of the caravan are fleeing violence, including political persecution, and poverty and want to apply for asylum at an official border crossing.

The journey through Mexico is wrought with the threat of cartel violence and human trafficking. Travelling in large groups offers the migrants a relative degree of safety.